Catwalk Pipe Restraint System

ABSTRACT

A catwalk pipe restraint system for an oil field operation. The pipe restraint system includes a support body secured to the trough of a catwalk. A lever arm is pivotally connected to the support body. A jaw insert disposed on the lever arm is sized to contact a pipe in the trough. The lever arm is movable between a first open position and a second closed position. In the closed position the jaw of the pivot arm spans the width of the trough and functions to secure the pipe tubular in the trough. A hydraulic piston connected to the support body and the lever arm provides the force for moving the pivot arm between the open and closed position. The hydraulic activation allows for remote operation of the pipe restraint arm to minimize possibility of injury or accident because of excessive movement of the pipe in the trough.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the handling of oil field pipe tubulars and more particularly to the restraining pipe tubulars on catwalks associated with derricks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During completion operations additional drilling pipe or tubulars are required to extend the drill string. This pipe is regularly moved from the ground to the rig floor through a combination of manual and mechanical means. In common practice a joint of pipe is placed in the trough of a hydraulic catwalk located on the ground proximate a derrick or drilling platform. A distal end of the trough is hydraulically lifted by the catwalk thus raising the distal end of the joint of pipe in the trough to a position adjacent the rig floor. A hydraulically rotated power swivel is maneuvered to engage and rotate its threads in to the threads of the joint of pipe in the trough of the catwalk. The power swivel will then lift the joint of pipe into position in the derrick. It is common practice for rig workers to manually hold in place the joint of pipe in the trough in order to keep it from rotating, moving laterally, or exiting the trough while the power swivel rotates in to the threads. This is a common place for injuries to occur where the drill pipe might unwantedly move while in the trough.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a pipe handling system for use with an oil derrick. The pipe handling system comprises a pipe support system and a pipe restraint assembly. The pipe support system comprises a base, an elongate pipe trough having a first end and a second end with the first end connected to the base, and a lift system connected between the base and the pipe trough where the lift system is adapted to extend the second end of the pipe trough vertically to a position remote from the base. The pipe restraint assembly comprises a support body secured to the pipe trough, a restraint arm comprising a lever arm connected to the support body at a hinge point and a jaw, and a pivot force connected to the support body and the restraint arm. Wherein the pivot force is adapted to move the restraint arm between a first open position and a second closed position in which the restraint arm spans the pipe trough.

In another embodiment the present invention is directed to a pipe restraint arm for use with an oil field catwalk, the catwalk having a trough for supporting a pipe tubular being provided to a drilling operation. The pipe restraint arm comprises a support body, a restraint arm, and a pivot force. The support body comprises a bracket adapted to be secured to the pipe trough, the bracket having a first side and a second side, at least one plate secured to the bracket, the plate defining a hinge point adjacent the first side of the bracket, and an arm stop secured to the second side of the bracket. The restraint arm comprises a lever arm having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the hinge point of the support body, and a jaw disposed on a second end of the lever arm. The pivot force is connected to the support body and to the first end of the pivot arm. Wherein the pivot force is adapted to move the lever arm between a first open position and a second closed position in which the restraint arm spans the pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a pipe handling system built in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the pipe restraint assembly as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the jaw of the pipe restraint assembly shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment for a jaw of the pipe restraint assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an end view of the jaw shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the pipe trough and showing the pipe restraint assembly in the open position.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the pipe trough and showing the pipe restraint assembly in the closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a pipe handling system for use in oil field applications. With reference now to the drawings in general and to FIG. 1 in particular, there is shown therein a preferred embodiment for pipe handling system 10 in accordance with the present invention. The pipe handling system 10 functions to move a drill pipe or tubular 12 from a storage location to a position adjacent a drilling platform or derrick (not shown) so that the pipe can be loaded to the drilling operation. The pipe handling system 10 comprises a pipe support system 14 and a pipe restraint assembly 16.

The pipe support system 14, sometimes familiarly known as a catwalk, comprises a base 18, an elongate pipe trough 20, and a lift system 22. The pipe trough 20 is configured to cradle and support the drill pipe 12 and has a first end 24, a second end 26, and an open top. The first end 24 is connected to the base 18. The lift system 22 is connected between the base 18 and the pipe trough 20. Preferably, the lift system 22 comprises a hydraulic system and hydraulic cylinder. The lift system 22 functions to elevate the second end 26 of the trough vertically to a position remote from the base and adjacent the drilling platform. One skilled in the art will appreciate the pipe 12 in the trough 20 can be attached to a power swivel (not shown) on the drilling platform when the lift system 22 has elevated the second end 26 of the trough.

One skilled in the art will appreciate with the lift system 22 extending the second end of the trough 20 into the air, the pipe 12 in the trough may be prone to move within the trough, potentially both laterally and longitudinally, or even be ejected from the trough. With continued reference to FIG. 1, the pipe restraint assembly 16 will function to prevent the pipe 12 from moving in the trough 20. The pipe restraint assembly 16 comprises a support body 30 and a restraint arm 32. The restraint arm 32 preferably is movable between a first open position and a second closed position. In the open position (as shown in FIG. 1) the restraint arm 32 does not engage the pipe 12, while in the closed position the restraint arm will span the trough 20, and more particularly the open top of the trough while functioning to prevent the pipe from ejecting from the trough. More preferably, the restraint arm 32 will be adapted to contact a top portion of the pipe 12 in the trough 20, putting pressure on the pipe and functioning to prevent rotational and lateral movement of the pipe relative to the trough.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the pipe restraint assembly 16 is shown in greater detail. As described above, the pipe restraint assembly 16 comprises the support body 30 and the restraint arm 32, and further comprises a pivot force 34 connected to the body and the restraint arm. The support body 30 preferably comprises a bracket 36. More preferably, the bracket 36 is designed to be securely connected to the trough 20. Most preferably, the bracket 36 comprises a base plate and two opposing vertical side plates, to conform to a preferred shape of a bottom side of the trough 20. The bracket 36 is preferably bolted to the trough 20, though the bracket could be secured by various means such as being clamped, welded, or integrally formed with the trough.

The support body 30 preferably further comprises at least one arm attachment plate 38 secured to one side plate of the bracket 36. More preferably, a pair of parallel plates 38 are secured to the side plate of the bracket 36. The plates 38 define an attachment point 40 for the pivot force 34 and a hinge point 42 for the restraint arm 32. Preferably, the attachment point 40 for the pivot force 34 is proximate a bottom portion of the bracket 36 and the hinge point 42 for the restraint arm 32 will be laterally displaced from an upper portion of the bracket 36.

Continuing with FIG. 2, the support body 30 preferably further comprises an arm stop 44. The arm stop 44 may comprise a piece of steel tubing and is preferably secured to the bracket 36 on the side plate of the bracket opposite the hinge point 42. As will be discussed further below, the arm stop 44 will function to engage the restraint arm 32 when the arm is in the closed position.

The restraint arm 32 is preferably comprised of a lever arm 45 and a jaw 47. More preferably the restraint arm 32 is comprised of at least one and most preferably a pair of parallel and similarly formed plates 46. The lever arm 45 defines a pivot point 48 for connection to the hinge point 42 of the support body 30. Preferably, the pivot point 48 and hinge point 42 are rotatably attached using a pin 50 to allow the lever arm 45 to pivot relative to the support body 30. As discussed above, the lever arm 45 will pivot between the open position and the closed position, and be of sufficient length to span the width of the trough 20.

With further reference to FIG. 2, the jaw 47 portion of the restraint arm 32 is preferably formed in a middle portion of the lever arm 45. Alternatively the jaw 47 may be a separate structure secured to the lever arm 45. Preferably, the jaw 47 of the present embodiment is sized such that the jaw will cover the pipe 12 in the pipe trough 20. More preferably, the preferred embodiment of the restraint arm 32 further comprises a jaw insert 52. The jaw insert 52 is disposed between the plates 46 and positioned in the jaw 47 so that when the pivot arm 32 is in the closed position the jaw insert will contact the top portion of the pipe 12 and secure the pipe in the trough 20. The jaw insert 52 is preferably made of a hard rubber, but may also be made of nylon, steel or other materials.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the lever arm 45 of the restraint arm 32 also defines a connection point 54 for the pivot force 34. In the preferred embodiment the pivot force 34 comprises a hydraulically actuated cylinder 56 and a hydraulic power source 57. The cylinder 56 is preferably rotatably connected to the attachment point 40 and the connection point 54 using pins 58 to allow for relative movement. One skilled in the art will appreciate the hydraulic power source 57 may be remotely situated and operated. As the cylinder 56 is compressed or extended the restraint arm 32 will move between the open position and the closed position. One skilled in the art will appreciate the relative location of the pivot point 48 and the connection point 54, as well as the length of the pivot arm 32, may be alternatively designed to accommodate other types of pivot force 34 or trough 20 sizes.

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown therein an end view of the restraint arm 34. As shown therein, the plates 46 of the restraint arm 34 are preferably held in position by a plurality of support members 60. Preferably the support member 60 proximate a middle portion of the jaw 47 will also provide for a secure connection for the jaw insert 52. In the preferred embodiment the jaw insert 52 is held in place by a plurality of bolts 62. Such connection allows for removal and replacement of the insert 52 with inserts of different sizes or materials.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown therein a side view and an end view of an alternative embodiment for the restraint arm 32. The restraint arm 70 of the alternative embodiment comprises an arcuate shape designed to span a width of the trough 20 without contacting the pipe 12 in the trough. Unlike the restraint arm 32 of the embodiment of FIG. 2, the present restraint arm 70 does not include a jaw insert. Consequently, the restraint arm 70 of the alternative embodiment may be selected for use when the only function of the present invention is to keep the pipe 12 from falling out of the trough 20. The restraint arm 70 comprises a pair of parallel plates 72 separated by a plurality of support members 74. The restraint arm 70 comprises a pivot point 76 for connection to the support body 30 and a connection point 78 for connection to the pivot force 34.

With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the restraint arm 32 of the pipe restraint assembly 16 is shown therein in the open position (FIG. 6) and the closed position (FIG. 7). Operation of the pipe handling system 10 of the present invention allows for significantly safer operation in the field. The pipe 12 is placed in the trough 20 when the restraint arm 32 is in the open position as shown in FIG. 6. An operator of the pipe handling system 10 can then from a safe position activate the pipe restraint assembly 16 so that the restraint arm 32 moves to the closed position, as shown in FIG. 7. In the closed position, the lever arm 45 spans the width of the trough 20 and the jaw insert 52 contacts and secures the pipe 12 in the trough 20. In this manner the pipe 12 is prevented from rotational and lateral movement in the trough 20. Additionally, in the closed position a distal end of the restraint arm 32 engages the arm stop 44, with the arm stop positioned between the plates 46 of the restraint arm. In this manner the arm stop 44 will help to hold the restraint arm 32 in the closed position when the pipe 12 tri.es to move longitudinally in the trough 20. One skilled in the art will appreciate alternative embodiments for the arm stop 44 and the restraint arm 32 will serve this same purpose. For example, the arm stop 44 may comprise a pair of parallel stops or plates so that the restraint arm will rest between the two stops or plates when the restraint arm is in the closed position.

After the pipe 12 is secured by restraint assembly 16, the power swivel (not shown) can then be engaged with the end of the pipe 12 while removing the chance of injury or accident to operators in the area, by removing any requirement for manual backup of the joint of tubing by rig workers while rotating into the threads of the joint of tubing. The design and operation of the present invention allows for the movement of the pipe in the trough to be restricted to varying degrees. Adjustment of size or power applied to the pivot force 34, selection of a different size or type of jaw insert 52, and adjusting the size of the restraint arm 32 will all allow for tubulars and troughs of different sizes to be accommodated. Additionally, one can control pivot force 34 by adjusting the distance between the connection point 54 and the pivot point 48 which adjusts the lever arm, adjusting hydraulic pressure, changing a diameter of the hydraulic cylinder.

Various modifications can be made in the design and operation of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof. Thus, while the principal preferred construction and modes of operation of the invention have been explained in what is now considered to represent its best embodiments, which have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described. 

1. A pipe handling system for use with an oil derrick, the pipe handling system comprising: a pipe support system comprising: a base; an elongate pipe trough having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the base; and a lift system connected between the base and the pipe trough, the lift system adapted to extend the second end of the pipe trough vertically to a position remote from the base; a pipe restraint assembly comprising: a support body secured to the pipe trough; a single restraint arm comprising: a lever arm connected to the support body at a hinge point; and a jaw; and a pivot force connected to the support body and the restraint arm; wherein the pivot force is adapted to move the restraint arm between a first open position and a second closed position in which the restraint arm spans the pipe trough.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the lift system comprises a hydraulic cylinder connected to the pipe trough proximate the second end of the pipe trough, such that when the cylinder is extended the second end of the pipe trough is in an elevated position remote from the base.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the support body comprises: a bracket secured to the pipe trough, the bracket having a first side and a second side; at least one plate secured to the first side of the bracket, the plate defining the hinge point adjacent the first side of the bracket; and an arm stop secured to the second side of the bracket.
 4. A pipe handling system for use with an oil derrick, the pipe handling system comprising: a pipe support system comprising: a base; an elongate pipe trough having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the base; and a lift system connected between the base and the pipe trough, the lift system adapted to extend the second end of the pipe trough vertically to a position remote from the base; a pipe restraint assembly comprising: a support body secured to the pipe trough; a single restraint arm comprising: a lever arm connected to the support body at a hinge point; and a jaw; wherein the lever arm comprises: a pair of parallel plates; and a plurality of support members disposed between the plates; and a pivot force connected to the support body and the restraint arm; wherein the pivot force is adapted to move the restraint arm between a first open position and a second closed position in which the restraint arm spans the pipe trough; and wherein when the restraint arm is in the closed position a portion of the arm stop is positioned between the plates of the lever arm.
 5. The device of claim 3 wherein the restraint arm further comprises a jaw insert secured to the jaw; such that when the restraint arm is in the closed position the jaw insert is disposed to contact a pipe in the pipe trough.
 6. The device of claim 2 wherein the restraint arm further comprises a jaw insert secured to the jaw; such that when the restraint arm is in the closed position the jaw insert is disposed to contact a pipe in the pipe trough.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein the jaw insert comprises a hard rubber material.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein the pipe trough comprises a first longitudinal side, a second longitudinal side, and a longitudinal bottom; and wherein the support body comprises: at least one plate secured to the first side of the pipe trough, the plate defining the hinge point adjacent the first side of the trough.
 9. The device of claim 1 wherein the support body further comprises an arm stop secured to the second side of the pipe trough.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein the lever arm comprises: at least one plate; and wherein when the restraint arm is in the closed position a distal end of the lever arm is positioned adjacent the arm stop.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The device of claim 8 wherein the lever arm comprises: a pair of parallel plates; and a plurality of support members disposed between the plates; and wherein the jaw is formed in a middle portion of the plates.
 13. A pipe restraint assembly for use with an oil field catwalk, the catwalk having a trough for supporting a pipe tubular being provided to a drilling operation, the pipe restraint arm comprising: a support body comprising: a bracket adapted to be secured to the pipe trough, the bracket having a first side positioned adjacent a first longitudinal side of the pipe trough and a second side positioned adjacent a second longitudinal side of the pipe trough; at least one plate secured to the bracket, the plate defining a hinge point adjacent the first side of the bracket; and an arm stop secured to the second side of the bracket; a single restraint arm comprising: a lever arm having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the hinge point of the support body; and a jaw disposed on the lever arm; a pivot force connected to the support body and to the first end of the lever arm; wherein the pivot force is adapted to move the lever arm between a first open position and a second closed position in which the restraint arm spans the pipe trough.
 14. The pipe restraint arm of claim 13 wherein the pivot force comprises a hydraulic cylinder.
 15. The pipe restraint arm of claim 14 wherein the lever arm defines a connection point disposed proximate the first end of the lever arm; and wherein the lever arm defines a pivot point disposed proximate the first end of the lever arm and adjacent the connection point; and wherein the pivot point of the lever arm is pivotally connected to the hinge point of the support body; and wherein the hydraulic cylinder is connected to a bottom side of the support body and is pivotally connected to the connection point of the lever arm.
 16. The pipe restraint arm of claim 13 wherein the restraint arm further comprises a jaw insert connected to the jaw 